Maybe a dumb question, but my 7mm Wby shoots the Wby factory load in 150 gr. Nosler BT's very well, bought some BT's and they do not have the crimp grove that the factory loaded Wby's have! What's the deal there?

They are only available on bullets supplied to the ammunition manufacturers.They don't need them anyway as they don't require crimping.I have used ballistic tips since they came out and have never crimped a bullet of any kind.They don't move in the case from vibration and handling and shoot very tight groups in a good gun.

Well, it is real simple. The factory loads have a cannelure or crimping grove just because factory loads are made that way.

The Ballistic Tips that you bought do not need them and you do not either. Just load them to the same length or to a longer length to match your chamber and you will be happy enough.

The Ballistic Tips that you buy will not have a crimping grove on them, just ignore that. When I am fortunate enough to go to Oregon and buy some seconds from the Nosler plant, I just ignore the crimping grove completely.

With factory loads, the manufacturer does not know what kind of gun you will shoot them in, or what kind of abuse you may subject them to. With handloads, there is no need for a crimping groove or cannelure for any load except those used in things like a lever action with a tubular magazine or maybe a semiauto.

Just shoot the bullets you bought and have fun.

R F